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{{Short description|Hindu religious mela}} |
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{{Infobox recurring event |
{{Infobox recurring event |
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| name = Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha |
| name = Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha |
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| Line 11: | Line 12: | ||
| frequency = Every 12 years |
| frequency = Every 12 years |
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| prev = 2015 |
| prev = 2015 |
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| next = 2027 |
| next = 2027 2040 |
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| venue = Banks of [[Godavari]] river |
| venue = Banks of [[Godavari]] river |
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| location = [[Trimbak]] and [[Nashik]] |
| location = [[Trimbak]] and [[Nashik]] |
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| Line 27: | Line 28: | ||
=== Origins === |
=== Origins === |
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According to [[Hindu mythology]], [[Vishnu]] dropped drops of [[amrita]] (the drink of immortality) at four places, while transporting it in a ''[[kumbha]]'' (pot). These four places, including Nashik, are identified as the present-day sites of the Kumbh Mela. The age of the Nashik-Trimbak Simhastha is uncertain, but its association with the ''kumbha'' myth is relatively recent, dating back to the 20th century. The ''Nasik District Gazetteer'' published during the 19th century does not mention the term "Kumbh Mela" to describe the local Simhastha fair.{{sfn|Maclean|2008|p=89}} The earliest extant texts that contain the name "Kumbha Mela" are ''[[Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh]]'' (1695 CE) and ''[[Chahar Gulshan]]'' (1789 CE). Both these texts use the term "Kumbh Mela" to describe only the [[Haridwar Kumbh Mela]], although they mention the Simhastha fair at Nashik.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WT2odZ7_d7MC&pg=PA32 |title=South Asian Religions on Display: Religious Processions in South Asia and in the Diaspora |editor=Knut A. Jacobsen |chapter=The Kumbh Mela Festival Processions |author=James G. Lochtefeld |publisher=Routledge |year=2008 |page=70 }}</ref> It appears that the Nashik Simhastha adapted the ''kumbh |
According to [[Hindu mythology]], [[Vishnu]] dropped drops of [[amrita]] (the drink of immortality) at four places, while transporting it in a ''[[kumbha]]'' (pot). These four places, including Nashik, are identified as the present-day sites of the Kumbh Mela. The age of the Nashik-Trimbak Simhastha is uncertain, but its association with the ''kumbha'' myth is relatively recent, dating back to the 20th century. The ''Nasik District Gazetteer'' published during the 19th century does not mention the term "Kumbh Mela" to describe the local Simhastha fair.{{sfn|Maclean|2008|p=89}} The earliest extant texts that contain the name "Kumbha Mela" are ''[[Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh]]'' (1695 CE) and ''[[Chahar Gulshan]]'' (1789 CE). Both these texts use the term "Kumbh Mela" to describe only the [[Haridwar Kumbh Mela]], although they mention the Simhastha fair at Nashik.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WT2odZ7_d7MC&pg=PA32 |title=South Asian Religions on Display: Religious Processions in South Asia and in the Diaspora |editor=Knut A. Jacobsen |chapter=The Kumbh Mela Festival Processions |author=James G. Lochtefeld |publisher=Routledge |year=2008 |page=70 |isbn=9781134074594 }}</ref> It appears that the Nashik Simhastha adapted the ''kumbh'' (and the name Kumbh Mela) from the Haridwar Kumbh Mela.<ref name="Kama_ET_2010">{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-02-10/news/37008284_1_kumbh-mela-prayag-haridwar |title=Kumbh mela dates back to mid-19th century, shows research |date=2013-02-10 |newspaper=Economic Times |author=Vikram Doctor }}</ref> The [[Ujjain Simhastha]], in turn, is an adaptation of the Nashik-Trimbak Simhastha: it began in the 18th century, when the [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] ruler [[Ranoji Shinde]] invited ascetics from Nashik to [[Ujjain]] for a local festival.<ref name="KAJ_2008">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WT2odZ7_d7MC&pg=PA32 |title=South Asian Religions on Display: Religious Processions in South Asia and in the Diaspora |author=Knut A. Jacobsen |publisher=Routledge |year=2008 |pages=32–34 |isbn=9781134074594 }}</ref> As per Shiv Puran, brihaspati (Jupiter) enters Singh Rashi (Leo) every 12 years. The Kumbh mela is organized for same occasion. |
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=== Mughal era === |
=== Mughal era === |
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The ''Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh'' (1695 CE) mentions the mela in its description of the [[Berar Subah]], although it doesn't use the terms "Kumbh Mela" or "Simhastha" to describe it. It states that when Jupiter |
The ''Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh'' (1695 CE) mentions the mela in its description of the [[Berar Subah]], although it doesn't use the terms "Kumbh Mela" or "Simhastha" to describe it. It states that when Jupiter entered [[Leo (astrology)|Leo]] or ''Simha'' (which happens once in 12 years), people from far away would come to Trimbak for a large gathering which was famous in all parts of the [[Mughal Empire]].<ref name="JS_1901">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/indiaofaurangzib034937mbp|title=India of Aurangzib |author=Jadunath Sarkar |author-link=Jadunath Sarkar |publisher=Kinnera |date=1901 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/indiaofaurangzib034937mbp/page/n170 51] }}</ref> |
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=== Maratha era === |
=== Maratha era === |
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Until 1789, the fair was originally held at Trimbak, a town near the Nashik city. That year, a clash happened between [[ |
Until 1789, the fair was originally held at Trimbak, a town near the Nashik city. That year, a clash happened between [[Shaivite]] ''sanyasis'' and [[Vaishnavite]] ''bairagis'' over order of precedence of bathing, which indicated the status of the [[akhara]]s. A [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copperplate inscription]] of the Maratha [[Peshwa]] claims that 12,000 ascetics died in this clash.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V1L99XsB1gkC&pg=PA252 |title=Gods Gateway: Identity and Meaning in a Hindu Pilgrimage Place |author=James Lochtefeld |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2009 |isbn=9780199741588 |pages=252–253 }}</ref> As a result, the Peshwa shifted the Vaishnavites' bathing place to Ramkund in the Nashik city.<ref name="KAJ_2008"/> The Shaivites continue to regard Trimbak as the proper location of the fair.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-project-trimbak-not-nashik-as-the-place-for-kumbh-shaiva-akhadas-2104044 |title=Project Trimbak, not Nashik, as the place for Kumbh: Shaiva akhadas |author=Vaishali Balajiwale |date=13 July 2015 |newspaper=DNA }}</ref> |
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=== British era === |
=== British era === |
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In 1861 and 1872, fights erupted at Trimbak, when some [[Nirmala (sect)|Nirmala]] sadhus attempted to walk naked in a procession, in imitation of a rival sect. Their rivals, as well as the British managers who wanted to keep peace, opposed them. The British administration proposed banning public nudity at the next Simhastha, but the proposal was opposed by the [[Naga sadhu]]s and ultimately rejected by the British authorities.{{sfn|Maclean|2008| |
In 1861 and 1872, fights erupted at Trimbak, when some [[Nirmala (sect)|Nirmala]] sadhus attempted to walk naked in a procession, in imitation of a rival sect. Their rivals, as well as the British managers who wanted to keep peace, opposed them. The British administration proposed banning public nudity at the next Simhastha, but the proposal was opposed by the [[Naga sadhu]]s and ultimately rejected by the British authorities.{{sfn|Maclean|2008|pp=128–129}} |
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=== Independent India === |
=== Independent India === |
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When the Kumbh Mela was held in Nashik, India, from 27 July to 7 September 2003, 39 pilgrims (28 women and 11 men) were trampled to death and 57 were injured. Devotees had gathered on the banks of the [[Godavari River|Godavari]] river for the ''maha snaanam'' or holy bath. Over 30,000 pilgrims were being held back by barricades in a narrow street leading to the Ramkund, a holy spot, so the [[sadhu]]s could take the first ceremonial bath. Reportedly, a sadhu threw some silver coins into the crowd and the subsequent scramble led to the stampede.<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/28/stories/2003082805310100.htm 39 killed in Kumbh Mela stampede] ''[[The Hindu]]'', 28 August 2003</ref><ref>[ |
When the Kumbh Mela was held in Nashik, India, from 27 July to 7 September 2003, 39 pilgrims (28 women and 11 men) were trampled to death and 57 were injured. Devotees had gathered on the banks of the [[Godavari River|Godavari]] river for the ''maha snaanam'' or holy bath. Over 30,000 pilgrims were being held back by barricades in a narrow street leading to the Ramkund, a holy spot, so the [[sadhu]]s could take the first ceremonial bath. Reportedly, a sadhu threw some silver coins into the crowd and the subsequent scramble led to the stampede.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20081104003210/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/28/stories/2003082805310100.htm 39 killed in Kumbh Mela stampede]}} ''[[The Hindu]]'', 28 August 2003</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/aug/28/india.maseehrahman "Holy man's gift blamed for 39 dead in stampede"] ''[[The Guardian]]'', 28 August 2003.</ref> |
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In 2015, the Kumbha Mela was held at Nashik-Trimbak during |
In 2015, the Kumbha Mela was held at Nashik-Trimbak during July–September.<ref>{{cite web|title=10 million to gather for 2015 Nashik Kumbh Mela|date=18 October 2013|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/maharashtra/10-million-to-gather-for-2015-nashik-kumbh-mela_884065.html|publisher=Zee News|access-date=14 June 2014}}</ref> |
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With nearly 30 million devotees gathered in 2015, the mela gave a unique opportunity to test out a range of smart solutions. One of the projects conducted here was by MIT, called the "Kumbhathon", that tried to identify ways to improve crowd and civic management during intense periods of mass migration <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jul/01/waze-crowds-uber-street-food-mit-kumbh-mela|title=From Waze for crowds to Uber for street food – MIT innovations at Kumbh Mela|date=July 2015}}</ref> |
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== Dates == |
== Dates == |
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The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha is held once in 12 years. The exact |
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha is held once in 12 years. The exact dates are determined according to a combination of [[Hindu astrology|zodiac]] positions: the mela ay be held when [[Jupiter (astrology)|Jupiter]] is in [[Leo (astrology)|Leo]] (''Simha'' in [[Hindu astrology]]); or when Jupiter, [[Sun (astrology)|Sun]] and [[Moon (astrology)|Moon]] are in [[Cancer (astrology)|Cancer]] on lunar conjunction ([[Amavasya]]).<ref name="al_gov_astro_aspect">{{cite web|url=http://kumbhmelaallahabad.gov.in/english/astrological_aspect.html|title=Official Website of Kumbh Mela 2013 Allahabad Uttar Pradesh India|author=Mela Adhikari Kumbh Mela 2013 |access-date=24 November 2015 }}</ref> |
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The last fair was held in 2015; the next one will be held in 2027. |
The last fair was held in 2015; the next one will be held in 2027. |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{ |
{{Reflist}} |
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=== Bibliography === |
=== Bibliography === |
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* कुम्भ मेला और साधु समागम- अमरत्व की खोज : बद्री नारायण एवं केदार नारायण पिल्ग्रिम्स पब्लिशिंग्स, (भारत) 2010, {{ISBN|978-81-7769-917-3}} |
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| ⚫ |
* {{cite book |first=Kama |last=Maclean |title=Pilgrimage and Power: The Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, 1765-1954 |url= |
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* Kumbh Mela and The Sadhus – The Quest for Immortality; Authors: Badri Narain and Kedar Narain PILGRIMS PUBLISHINGS, (INDIA) 2010 {{ISBN|978-81-7769-805-3}} |
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| ⚫ | * {{cite book |first=Kama |last=Maclean |title=Pilgrimage and Power: The Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, 1765-1954 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MALacgnsroMC&pg=PA5 |year=2008 |publisher=OUP USA |isbn=978-0-19-533894-2 }} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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[[Category:Kumbh Mela]] |
[[Category:Kumbh Mela]] |
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[[Category:Nashik district]] |
[[Category:Nashik district]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:August observances]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:September observances]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Hindu festivals]] |
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| Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha
नाशिक-त्र्यंबकेश्वर सिंहस्थ कुंभमेळा
| |
|---|---|
1989 Kumbh Mela at Nashik
| |
| Status | active |
| Genre | Fair |
| Frequency | Every 12 years |
| Venue | Banks of Godavari river |
| Location(s) | Trimbak and Nashik |
| Country | India |
| Previous event | 2015 |
| Next event | 2027 2040 |
| Participants | Akharas, pilgrims |
| Website | kumbhmela2015 |
Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha is a Hindu religious mela held every 12 years in the Nashik districtofMaharashtra, India. The name of the festival is also transliterated as SinhasthaorSinghastha. It is one of the four fairs traditionally recognized as Kumbha Melas, and is also known as Nashik-Trimbak Kumbha MelaorNashik Kumbha Mela.
The fair involves ritual bathing on the banks of Godavari river, at the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (inTrimbak) and the Ram Kund in Nashik. Until 1789, the fair was held only at Trimbak, but after a clash between Vaishnavites and Saivites, the Maratha Peshwa segregated the Vaishnavites to the Nashik city.
According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu dropped drops of amrita (the drink of immortality) at four places, while transporting it in a kumbha (pot). These four places, including Nashik, are identified as the present-day sites of the Kumbh Mela. The age of the Nashik-Trimbak Simhastha is uncertain, but its association with the kumbha myth is relatively recent, dating back to the 20th century. The Nasik District Gazetteer published during the 19th century does not mention the term "Kumbh Mela" to describe the local Simhastha fair.[1] The earliest extant texts that contain the name "Kumbha Mela" are Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh (1695 CE) and Chahar Gulshan (1789 CE). Both these texts use the term "Kumbh Mela" to describe only the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, although they mention the Simhastha fair at Nashik.[2] It appears that the Nashik Simhastha adapted the kumbh (and the name Kumbh Mela) from the Haridwar Kumbh Mela.[3] The Ujjain Simhastha, in turn, is an adaptation of the Nashik-Trimbak Simhastha: it began in the 18th century, when the Maratha ruler Ranoji Shinde invited ascetics from Nashik to Ujjain for a local festival.[4] As per Shiv Puran, brihaspati (Jupiter) enters Singh Rashi (Leo) every 12 years. The Kumbh mela is organized for same occasion.
The Khulasat-ut-Tawarikh (1695 CE) mentions the mela in its description of the Berar Subah, although it doesn't use the terms "Kumbh Mela" or "Simhastha" to describe it. It states that when Jupiter entered LeoorSimha (which happens once in 12 years), people from far away would come to Trimbak for a large gathering which was famous in all parts of the Mughal Empire.[5]
Until 1789, the fair was originally held at Trimbak, a town near the Nashik city. That year, a clash happened between Shaivite sanyasis and Vaishnavite bairagis over order of precedence of bathing, which indicated the status of the akharas. A copperplate inscription of the Maratha Peshwa claims that 12,000 ascetics died in this clash.[6] As a result, the Peshwa shifted the Vaishnavites' bathing place to Ramkund in the Nashik city.[4] The Shaivites continue to regard Trimbak as the proper location of the fair.[7]
In 1861 and 1872, fights erupted at Trimbak, when some Nirmala sadhus attempted to walk naked in a procession, in imitation of a rival sect. Their rivals, as well as the British managers who wanted to keep peace, opposed them. The British administration proposed banning public nudity at the next Simhastha, but the proposal was opposed by the Naga sadhus and ultimately rejected by the British authorities.[8]
When the Kumbh Mela was held in Nashik, India, from 27 July to 7 September 2003, 39 pilgrims (28 women and 11 men) were trampled to death and 57 were injured. Devotees had gathered on the banks of the Godavari river for the maha snaanam or holy bath. Over 30,000 pilgrims were being held back by barricades in a narrow street leading to the Ramkund, a holy spot, so the sadhus could take the first ceremonial bath. Reportedly, a sadhu threw some silver coins into the crowd and the subsequent scramble led to the stampede.[9][10]
In 2015, the Kumbha Mela was held at Nashik-Trimbak during July–September.[11]
With nearly 30 million devotees gathered in 2015, the mela gave a unique opportunity to test out a range of smart solutions. One of the projects conducted here was by MIT, called the "Kumbhathon", that tried to identify ways to improve crowd and civic management during intense periods of mass migration [12]
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha is held once in 12 years. The exact dates are determined according to a combination of zodiac positions: the mela ay be held when Jupiter is in Leo (SimhainHindu astrology); or when Jupiter, Sun and Moon are in Cancer on lunar conjunction (Amavasya).[13]
The last fair was held in 2015; the next one will be held in 2027.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
